PIEMONTE BONARDA D.O.C. General description: The bonarda (until recently, also called “bonarda piemontese” or “bonarda novarese”) is a red grape that grows in large, medium- large pyramidal clusters, with two or three wings, averagely loo- sely-packed (sometimes more compact); average-length stem, green with dark pink hues. It is only unequivocally recognised by individuals with technical expertise (experts of ampelography, oenologists, wine-producers); in fact, until recently, the bonarda was confused with uva rara (it was used as a synonym of bonar- da and vice versa), while it has been proven that these are two genetically different varieties. It is commonly grown in Piedmont (mainly Monferrato and Chierese, but is very common in several areas of the region), and sporadically throughout northern Italy, as well as in Lombardy and Emilia Romagna. The Piedmontese bonarda grape (which is part of numerous Piedmontese D.O.C.s) has nothing to do with the bonarda D.O.C. wine of Oltrepò Pavese, which is made with Croatina. This causes a lot of confu- sion because Bonarda wine (Oltrepò) is confused with the wine of single variety bonarda (Piedmontese) (for example, Piemonte Doc-bonarda). PIEMONTE BONARDA D.O.C. Name: Piemonte Bonarda D.O.C. Best period for consumption: 1-3 years. (Controlled designation of origin). Food pairing: It is best paired with hot hors- Grape variety: Bonarda piemontese. d’oeuvres and soups or stuffed pasta such as Production area: Piedmont, in the north of the agnolotti, cappelletti and tortellini. Also excel- province of Asti. lent with white meat, roasts and game. Ageing: not applicable. Serving temperature: Just uncorked in wine Colour: Ruby red. glasses not too wide, at a temperature of 18- Bouquet: Heady, fruity sweet with hints of 20°C. spice, black pepper. Alcohol content: Alc./Vol. 12,5%. Taste: Dry, soft, slightly tannic with almondy Available in: 75 cl e bottle. sweet finish. Back label Piemonte Bonarda D.O.C. Bottled by Vini Maccagno S.a.s. (Controlled designation of origin). Ferrere - Italy. Deep red colour with orange reflections, with a bouquet that recalls the taste of almond. Zesty, Contains sulphites. tangy and full flavour. To be tasted young, pai- red with white meat, roasts and game. Serve at Produced in Italy. room temperature, uncork one hour before ser- ving. 75 cl e Alc./Vol. 12,5%..